Monday 28 June 2010

Shaun Leane & 'Bling'

So for me it is finally the summer holidays, although for me it won't be much of a holiday. Lining up 3 placements this summer is beginning to feel exhausting, but as a workaholic I need my holy fix!
After handing in 'Anatomical Victorian' to the glorious London College of Fashion I had a spare two days until I received my mark (which by the way I couldn't have asked for a better mark ... ahem .... 1st!) so this was the perfect oppurtunity to attend the opening night of the new 'Bling' exhibition at The Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood, in London's east end, Bethnal Green. Presenting the varried talents and styles of jewellers who live and work in the east end of London. Jewellery design by designers such as Oona Ball (My 3D Lecturer) and the brilliant Shaun Leane!
It's well worth a visit if your taking a trip, if not live in London, it's small so not too much work for the old noodle.
Curious? Then take a look at the V&A's website to find out more,

http://www.vam.ac.uk/moc/whats_on/exhibitions_and_displays/bling/index.html


Wile at the opening night of 'Bling' one of my great idols was opening the show. Well as the museum was exhibiting his work it only seems fitting that Shaun Leane should open it! It must be said that I was a tad starstruck and it took some convincing from womenswear designer Sophie Caplan to get me talking to him. So glad she did because it must be said it was one of the highlights of my year!

(Sophie Caplan, Shaun Leane & Francesca Smith)

Never heard of Shaun Leane and his work? Well not only am I offended but I will enlighten you.
Jewellery Designer of the year for 2009 and two years previously, Shaun Leane has designed jewellery for fantastic designers such as Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano and most famously Alexander Mcqueen. A celebrity in the fashion and jewellery world!
Take a look at his website to learn more,

http://www.shaunleane.com/




Monday 21 June 2010

'Anatomical Victorian'

It has come at last, I have finally (with great relief) finished my first year! This has been a long time coming, technically having been a fresher for two years (Foundation first time around) being a second year is more than welcome ... I say that now, but you never know I could have got it exponentially wrong and completely failed (In contemporary slang terms 'EPIC FAIL!'). But on that beautiful note I would love to present my latest works, a collection of hand made brass and fabric pieces inspired by human muscles and Victorian frills. Presenting 'Anatomical Victorian' By Francesca Smith.







Let me know what you think. Leave a comment below, good, bad, constructive criticism is all welcome!

On the note of 'RW' by my fair self, I finally have time to photograph and upload images of the very varied collection (this may take a couple of days, so keep looking!). From tassels to chains, buttons to beads, take a look if your interested in owning a Francesca Smith original 'RW'. All pieces for sale and images of my professional work can all be found on Facebook at,

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4832518&id=611026478&view=all&subj=282702018675&aid=-1&oid=282702018675&saved#!/group.php?gid=282702018675&ref=ts




Wednesday 9 June 2010

Jewellery and Career is a Charming Combination

Hello my petals. This week is one which is very much overlooked, one which offers education, visual inspiration and very pretty things! Yes it's London Jewellery week! No it's not as well publicized as London fashion week but jewellery is on the rise so when it is as big as fashion week you can say .... "Oooh I heard about that years ago from Francesca Smith ... the jewellery designer." I will hopefully be visiting a couple of the events on the line up. Therefore hopefully have some coverage, which I will then post on here! If I have given you a thirst to learn more visit the website but be quick it has already started and finishes on Sunday.

http://www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk/

On a different note, I have just secured a second placement for this summer. A very exciting one at that! Yes it's me, me, me time! I will be working in the design department of DCK Concessions, a company which designs, makes and supplies jewellery and accessories to high street stores. Stores such as Dorothy Perkins, Wallis (who I work for ... who are bloody brilliant!), Evans, Matalan and Macy's. But they also design the Freedom range in Topshop and the Diva range in Miss Selfridge! In other words .... Francesca can not flipping wait! Check out their website, or just look at their work next time your out spending that well earned wonga!



http://www.dckconcessions.com/dck_home.php